Integrally-formed docking accessory system for mobile electronic devices

ABSTRACT

A docking platform formed for detachable attachment to a largest-surface-area surface of a mobile electronic device. Such a docking platform may comprise a docking accessory connection system having one or more docking connectors, and optionally two or more electrical contacts therein, the contacts electrically connected to an electronics assembly within the docking platform and constructed and arranged to allow electrical connection to detachable docking accessories. The docking accessory connection system is operable to form detachable attachments to multiple independent docking accessories simultaneously. The docking platform may assist in providing interoperability between connected/linked docking accessories. One type of accessory forms an assembly with an expandable accordion attached to the docking platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/852,518, filed Dec. 22, 2017, which claims the priority benefit ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/588,402, filed on Dec. 31, 2014,which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/922,294, filed Dec. 31, 2013; and this is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/173,644,filed Jun. 4, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/384,663, filed Sep. 11, 2014, which is the U.S. NationalStage of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/030991, filedMar. 13, 2013, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/610,575, filed Mar. 14, 2012. The entirecontents of each of the foregoing is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to docking connectors formobile electronic devices. In particular, embodiments of the presentinvention relate to detachable docking connectors and platforms formobile electronic devices.

Discussion of Related Art

Mobile electronic devices often comprise docking connectors, whichenable the mobile electronic devices to temporarily attach to multipleexternal docking accessories, such as speakers and batteries, generallyfurther enabling power and data transmission between the mobileelectronic device and the docking accessories. Docking connectors aregenerally housed on an edge of the mobile electronic device, as opposedto one of its two major faces—the front face, generally designated bythe location of a screen (should the device house a screen), and theback face, opposite the front face. For example, the prior artsmartphone shown in FIG. 1A has two major faces (front and back) andfour relatively narrow edges, with a docking connector housed on abottom edge.

A shortfall of housing a docking connector on the edge of a mobileelectronic device is that when the device is attached to dockingaccessories, the resultant system is generally inconvenient fortransport. For example, if the docking accessories attach to theconnector by a flexible cable as shown in FIG. 1A, a user must managetwo or more independently moving bodies along with the connecting cable.If the docking accessories instead attach in a rigid fashion (i.e.,directly) to the docking connector, a user must manage an oddly shapedset. Furthermore, mobile electronic devices having a docking connectoralong an edge is generally reinforced/enlarged in some way, in order tocounterbalance and/or support an attached accessory. For example, asshown in prior art FIG. 18 , mobile electronic devices may require asupportive case or extended/thickened housing in order to support rigidconnection with a mobile electronic device. This again increases theeffective magnitude of a mobile electronic system (device, support,accessories) to a degree that renders the resultant system inconvenientfor transport.

To address the preceding transport problem, some docking accessories,such as certain supplemental batteries, are manufactured as parts ofmobile electronic device cases. The resultant “docking cases” attach tomobile electronic devices, both at their docking connectors (as standarddocking accessories attach) and around their various edges (as standardmobile electronic device cases attach), to enable the dockingaccessories to be transported securely against the back faces of themobile electronic devices. See for example FIG. 1C (also prior art). Ina similar vein, some docking accessories are manufactured as parts ofdocking “sleeves” or “jackets”, which attach to compatible mobileelectronic devices at their side edges and at their docking connectors.See for example FIG. 1D (prior art). Docking cases and sleevesfacilitate distribution of the weight of accessories across therelatively large back faces of mobile electronic devices, with the aimof minimizing effective increases in magnitude in any single dimensionof the mobile electronic device and thus increasing convenience oftransport. However, docking cases and sleeves nevertheless increase theeffective size of the corresponding mobile electronic device, both inthe dimension perpendicular to the back face of the mobile electronicdevice and in the dimension perpendicular to the face of the edge thathouses the docking connector (i.e., both in thickness and in length).

Alternately, docking-system transport problems may be addressed by (i)recessing a portion of a selected edge of a mobile electronic device toform a rectangular cavity that is open both at the selected edge and atthe backside of the mobile electronic device; (ii) forming a dockingconnector on the recessed edge; and (iii) forming rails (or tracks) onthe two cavity edges perpendicular to the recessed edge. See for exampleFIG. 1E (prior art). The rails guide docking accessories as they areinserted into the rectangular cavity through the opening on the selectededge and to help secure the docking accessories when they are in theirdocked states. The rectangular cavity enables docking accessories toattach to the mobile electronic device without increasing its effectivecarrying size. For certain designs, the initial formation of the cavitymay lead to an increase in the initial carrying size of the mobiledevice by taking up space that could otherwise be used for internalcomponents of the device (thus requiring that device dimensions beincreased elsewhere to accommodate the internal components); still, thecavity enables docking accessories to attach to the final (if enlarged)device without further increasing its effective carrying size andwithout significantly altering its overall contour.

Although this approach may better address portability issues, itpresents several shortfalls of its own. For example the rail systemrequires the corresponding accessory cavity to be open at one edge ofthe mobile device. Such an edge opening reduces available space formobile-device features that are conventionally or ideally located on anedge of the device (for instance, volume buttons, power buttons,built-in speakers, and built-in sensors). Furthermore, if the selectededge is tapered, as is commonly done to create the perception of reducedthickness, the tapered boundary of the corresponding accessory cavityplaces adverse constraints on the design of compatible dockingaccessories. Another shortfall is that fixing the positions of the outeredges of attached accessories through the rail system presents designobstacles for a broad range of accessories whose functionality improveswith the ability to expand away from, and rotate at various angles to,the backsides of the mobile electronic device to which they are attached(for instance, speakers, electrophysiology sensors, massage paddles,hand-pump chargers, and ultrasound transducers). Furthermore,accessories whose attachment does not increase the effective carryingsize of the mobile device must have a certain rectangular shape and sizeto mate with the rail system (and those accessories that protrude beyondthe boundaries of the rectangular cavity must have a base of a certainrectangular shape and size to mate with the rail system). Differentdocking accessories have different ideal shapes and sizes, however. Forinstance, certain camera lenses, speakers, and electrophysiology sensorsmay ideally be circular and relatively small. On the other hand, certaingame controllers, external keyboards, and solar panels may ideally beelongated and relatively large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventions described herein below address the aforementionedproblems by providing a docking platform that is housed on the back faceof a mobile electronic device to enable multiple docking accessories ofvarious shapes and sizes to simultaneously and independently attach tothe mobile electronic device with the optional freedom to expand awayfrom, and rotate at various angles to, the back face of the mobiledevice, and with at most a nominal increase in the effective magnitudeof any one dimension of the mobile device. Furthermore, the dockingplatform does not require ports or other docking openings along theedges of the mobile device.

In one embodiment, a detachable accessory docking platform for matingwith a mobile electronic device to enhance the functionality of themobile electronic device with functionality supported by detachablyattachable docking accessories is formed. The detachable accessorydocking platform is includes a docking platform body having a frontsurface formed with a mobile electronic device connection system fordetachably attaching to the mobile electronic device and a back surfaceformed with an accessory docking system for detachable attaching one ormore docking accessories. Housed within the docking platform body areelectronics including (1) non-transient memory for storing at leastdocking accessory initialization instructions and docking accessoryrelated data, and (2) a processor subassembly for executing the dockingaccessory initialization instructions and processing the dockingaccessory related data. The detachable accessory docking platformfurther includes a first communication system connecting the electronicshoused within the docking platform body and the accessory docking systemfor facilitating the communication of data and instructions between theelectronics and the detachably attachable docking accessories and asecond communication system connecting the electronics housed within thedocking platform body and the mobile electronic device for facilitatingthe communication of data and instructions between the detachableaccessory docking platform and the mobile electronic device.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's mobile electronic deviceconnection system comprises a layer of sticky gel forming a detachableattachment to one of the two major faces of the docking platform.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's mobile electronic deviceconnection system is selected from the group consisting of a sticky gel,a magnetic element cooperating with magnetic elements on the mobileelectronic device, a snap fit structure cooperating with a mating spanfit structure on the mobile electronic device, a suction cup,micro-suction tape, a spring-clip mechanism cooperating with aspring-clip mechanism on the mobile electronic device, slot-hole keymechanism cooperating with a mating slot-hole key mechanism on themobile electronic device, reusable adhesive, slide-lock mechanismscooperating with a mating slide-lock mechanism on the mobile electronicdevice, and screw/bolt cooperating with a matching hole on the mobileelectronic device.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's mobile electronic deviceconnection system includes a mechanical-magnetic attachment for bothmechanically and magnetically securing the docking platform to themobile electronic device.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's electronics are formed with apower subassembly having one or more of power storage components, powertransmitting components, and power receiving component.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's power storage componentsinclude a battery and the power transmitting components and the powerreceiving components include a wireless charging interface and chargingcoil.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's electronics are formed with asignal processing subassembly for signal transfer, processing, andamplification.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's signal processing subassemblyis configured to process digital and/or analog signals sent from one ormore docking accessories or the mobile electronic device.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's electronics include a wirelesscommunication subassembly for cooperating with one or both of the firstand second communication system to provide wireless communication to oneor both of the docking accessory and the mobile electronic device.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's processor subassembly executesinstructions for offloading functionality from the detachable accessorydocking platform to the mobile electronic device.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's offloaded functionalityincludes offloading communication functionality, processingfunctionality, display functionality, and data storage.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's processor subassembly and themobile electronic device cooperate to offloading functionality from themobile electronic device to the detachable accessory docking platform.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's offloaded functionalityincludes offloading communication functionality, processingfunctionality, signal processing functionality, data storage, andfunctionality specific to one or more docking accessories.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's accessory docking systemcomprises two accessory docking connectors configured to enable twodocking accessories to simultaneously and independently attach to thedocking platform.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's mobile electronic deviceconnection system is formed to enable the docking platform to formdetachable attachments to surfaces of objects other than mobileelectronic devices.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's accessory docking systemcomprises two accessory docking connectors configured to enable twodocking accessories to simultaneously attach to the docking platform andthe processor subassembly executes instructions stored in thenon-transient memory for cooperatively operating the two dockingaccessories.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's power sub-assembly isconfigured to transfer power between the docking platform and one orboth of the mobile electronic device and one of more attached dockingaccessories.

In an embodiment, the docking platform includes at least two electricalcontacts within the accessory docking system, the contacts electricallyconnected to the electronics via the first communication system andconstructed and arranged to allow electrical communication between thedocking accessory and the electronics of the docking platform.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's docking accessory comprises oneof the following: a speaker, a battery, an electrophysiology sensor, agame controller, a solar charger, a supplemental lens, a camera, asupplemental flash, a supplemental keyboard, or a weather sensor.

In an embodiment, the docking platform's accessory docking system isconfigured to enable docking accessories to be attached in more than oneorientation relative to the accessory docking system and the processorsubassembly executes instructions stored in non-transient memory forselecting one of plurality of docking accessory capable functionalitiesbased on the attached orientation of the docking accessory.

In an embodiment, the accessory docking platform performs the method ofestablishing an authenticated communication link between one or moredocking accessories to a docking platform. The method includes the stepsof determining a docking accessory is attached to the docking platformand if the attached docking accessory is electrically attached to thedocking platform. The method then determines if the attached dockingaccessory is a wireless docking accessory. An authenticatedcommunication link between the docking platform and the dockingaccessory is then established. The method then determines the type andfunctionality of the linked docking accessory and determining theinter-operability and/or intra-operability of attached accessories ifmore than two accessories are attached. A similar method may be utilizedto establish an authenticated communication link between the accessorydocking platform and a mobile electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a prior art cell phone device with a typical end connectorand a cable-connected accessory.

FIG. 1B shows a prior art device with an end connector and a rigidpartial-case accessory.

FIG. 1C shows a prior art device with an end connector and a rigidfull-case accessory.

FIG. 1D shows a prior art device and associated docking sleeve, whichare specially adapted to mate with each other.

FIG. 1E shows a prior art device and a rectangular dummy accessory.

FIG. 2A is a back, perspective view of a mobile electronic device with adocking platform having docking connectors with electrical contactsdisposed evenly around an inner edge of a female snap-fit feature,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a front view of a docking connector of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is asectional view along line A-A of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a mobile electronic device with adocking platform having electrical contacts disposed in sockets at thebase of docking connectors, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of a docking connector of FIG.3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the mobile electronic device withdocking platform of FIG. 2A, further illustrating two unattached dockingaccessories, in an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a side view of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the device with platform of FIG. 4A,showing the two docking accessories attached to the docking connectorsof the docking platform.

FIG. 5 is a bottom, perspective view of a basic generic dockingaccessory such as the accessories of FIG. 4A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the device with platform of FIG. 2A,showing two unattached expandable docking accessories in their expandedstates, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the device with platform andexpandable accessories of FIG. 6A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6C is a side view of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of the device with platform of FIG. 6A,showing the two expandable accessories attached with the dockingplatform, in an embodiment.

FIG. 6E is a sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6F is a sectional view of an assembled version of the device withplatform and expandable accessories of FIG. 6E.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mobile electronic device with adocking platform of FIG. 6A with attached docking accessories, in anembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the mobile electronic device with platform ofFIG. 6A, showing attached expandable docking accessories in a partiallycollapsed and rotated state, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a perspective bottom or docking-side view of an expandablegeneric docking accessory in a fully expanded state, in an embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a perspective top view of the expandable accessory of FIG.9A.

FIG. 9C is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the expandableaccessory of FIG. 9A in its fully expanded state, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9E is an exploded, top perspective view of the expandable accessoryof FIG. 9A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9F is a detail view of a flex circuit of the expandable accessoryof FIG. 9E, in an embodiment.

FIG. 9G is a perspective view of the female connector of FIG. 9C.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the mobile electronic device of FIG.2A with two docked speaker accessories, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of one of the speaker accessories ofFIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is an exploded, top perspective view of the speaker accessoryof FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the speakeraccessory of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the mobile electronic device of FIG.2A with a docked solar charging accessory, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11B is an isometric top view of the solar charging accessory ofFIG. 11A.

FIG. 11C is a bottom, perspective view of the solar charging accessoryof FIG. 11A, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a back perspective view of the mobile electronic device ofFIG. 2A with a docked supplemental battery accessory, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 12B is a top view of the supplemental battery accessory of FIG.12A.

FIG. 12C is a bottom view of the supplemental battery accessory of FIG.12A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a back perspective view of the mobile electronic device ofFIG. 2A with two docked electrophysiology accessories in a partiallycollapsed states, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13B is a top perspective view of one electrophysiology sensoraccessory of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is an exploded, side perspective view of the electrophysiologysensor accessory of FIG. 13A, in an embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of a game controller accessory in aclosed state, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14B is a bottom view of the game controller accessory of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 14C is a back view of the mobile electronic device of FIG. 2A withthe game controller accessory of FIG. 14A docked in a partially openstate, in an embodiment.

FIG. 14D is a front view of the device and controller accessory of FIG.14C, with the controller accessory shown in an open state, in anembodiment.

FIG. 15A is a back perspective view of a docking system including ageneric docking accessory and a mobile electronic device with a genericdocking platform formed on its back face, in an embodiment.

FIG. 15B is a back perspective view of the mobile electronic device ofFIG. 15A and six possible docking platform, in embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a tablet device having a platform anddocked accessory, according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate displays of physiological data as may besensed by accessories attached with a mobile electronic device andpresented on a screen of the mobile device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a camera display, in an embodiment.

FIG. 19 shows an audio display, in an embodiment.

FIG. 20 shows a battery display, in an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart detailing functionality associated with dockingaccessories to a docking system/docking platform.

FIG. 22A is a simplified, exploded perspective view of a dockingplatform system, including a docking platform and two dockingaccessories with a mobile electronic device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of a docking platform, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the docking platform of FIG. 22Battached to a mobile electronic device.

FIGS. 24A, 24B, and 24C are back, bottom, and side views, respectively,of a docking platform, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25A is a front view of the docking platform of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 25B is a rear perspective view of the docking platform of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the docking platform of FIG. 24A, shownattached to a mobile electronic device.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the docking platform of FIG. 24A, shownaligned with and detached from docking accessories and a compatiblemobile electronic device.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the docking platform of FIG. 24A, shownattached to a mobile electronic device and aligned with and detachedfrom two docking accessories.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the platform, docking accessories andmobile electronic device of FIG. 28 , with the docking accessoriesattached.

FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C are perspective views of the docking platform ofFIG. 22B attached to a mobile electronic device and mated and/or alignedwith alternative, exemplary docking accessories.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the docking platform of FIG. 24A, shownattached to an object or surface.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a docking platform having dockingconnectors of an alternate shape.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the docking platform of FIG. 32 .

FIG. 34 is an additional exploded view of the docking platform of FIG.32 .

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of a power subassembly of the dockingplatform of FIGS. 32-34 .

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a dockingplatform system, shown aligned with and detached from a compatibletablet mobile electronic device.

FIG. 37 is an exploded side perspective view of the docking platformsystem of FIG. 36 .

FIG. 38 depicts perspective views of a mobile device integrally formedwith multiple exemplary docking platforms constructed without majordocking accessory cavities.

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of alternatively decoratedinstances of one embodiment of the docking platform system invention.

FIG. 40A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the docking platformsystem that is configured as a case and shown with a sliding gamecontroller docking accessory.

FIG. 40B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the docking platformsystem, shown with a lens docking accessory in a detached state.

FIG. 40C is a perspective view of one embodiment of the docking platformsystem, shown with a battery docking accessory in a detached state.

FIG. 40D is a perspective view of one embodiment of the docking platformsystem configured as a case and shown with two expanding accordionspeaker docking accessories and a speaker display function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One advantage of the present invention is that it allows multipledocking accessories to attach simultaneously and independently to themobile electronic device. It will be appreciated that mobile electronicdevices include but are not limited to those devices that can be handheld, worn, carried, etc. Some docking accessories, such as supplementalcamera lenses and flashes, stereo speakers, and electrophysiologysensors, naturally work together in pairs. As such the present inventionfulfills the need for a method that enables multiple docking accessoriesto attach simultaneously to the mobile electronic device. Furthermore, afirst accessory may be paired with a second partner accessory in onecircumstance and a different, third partner accessory in a secondcircumstance. For instance, a daytime circumstance might call for asupplemental camera lens accessory to be combined with a supplementalbattery accessory, whereas a nighttime circumstance might call for thesame camera lens to be combined instead with a supplemental flashaccessory. The present invention fulfills the need for a method thatenables multiple docking accessories to attach both simultaneously andindependently to the mobile electronic device.

Cavity-Recessed Accessory Embodiments

Some embodiments of the present invention, as shown herein, are directedto mobile electronic devices having docking connectors. One of theseembodiments includes a docking platform formed at one of thelargest-surface-area surfaces, i.e., a selected surface, of the mobileelectronic device. In the present embodiment, the selected surface isthe back surface of the device. In a separate embodiment, the selectedsurface may be the front, screen supporting surface. The dockingplatform is formed with a docking connection system which includes oneor more docking connectors generally disposed in a recessed dockingaccessory cavity. The docking connection system is configured to enablethe recessed docking accessory cavity to be open only at the selectedsurface.

In some embodiments, the recessed docking accessory cavity enables oneor more docking accessories to be attached to the docking connectorswithout significantly increasing the effective carrying size of themobile electronic device. Docking accessories are manufactured to couplewith the recessed docking accessory cavity such that, when the dockingaccessory is in at least one mode of operation, the outer surface of thedocking accessory is generally co-planar with the selected surface ofthe mobile device.

In one embodiment, the docking connection system is formed toaccommodate a broad range of docking accessories. In the same orseparate embodiment, the docking connection system is operable to form adetachable attachment to multiple independent docking accessoriessimultaneously. In the same or separate embodiment, the dockingconnection system is operable to form a detachable attachment to onedocking accessory via two or more recessed docking accessory cavities.In the same or separate embodiment, the docking connection system may beoperable to form a detachable attachment radially inward from the outeredges of a circular accessory, to allow the body of the accessory totemporarily expand away from the docking platform by way of anexpandable conical accordion mechanism, whereby the foot, or narrowestpart of the accordion, which is located radially inward from the edgesof the accordion, forms the attachment point to the docking connectionsystem, and the mouth, or widest part of the accordion, forms anattachment to the body of the accessory. The range of dockingaccessories that may cooperate with the docking platform includes, byway of example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights,hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses,electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles,glucose monitors, body fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasoundtransducers, and pulse oximeters. This list of possible dockingaccessories in not meant to be limiting in any way, but is merely meantto demonstrate the wide range of possible devices and technologies thatmay functionally cooperate with the present docking platform.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform is integrally formedwith the body of the mobile electronic device. In a related embodiment,the docking platform is integrally formed with one aspect of the mobileelectronic device, e.g., the back cover. The docking platform may beformed with an accessory cavity that has a generally oval shape. In oneembodiment, the generally oval or capsule shaped accessory cavity(herein after, “oval shaped accessory cavity”) supports two circularcavities formed at opposing ends of the oval shaped accessory cavity.Optionally, a depressed region constituting the middle portion of theoval cavity may be formed between the two circular cavities. Each of thetwo circular cavities may include a docking connector, for example, anannular docking connector disposed at its center. A docking connectormay be formed with a connection mechanism, electrical contacts forcommunication one or both of data and power, and an optional alignmentmechanism. For example, in the annular docking connector embodiment,each docking connector may be formed with (i) an annular female snap-fitfeature, for attaching docking accessories securely to the dockingplatform; (ii) 30 electrical contacts disposed evenly around the inneredge of the female snap-fit feature, for transmission of power and datato and from docking accessories; and (iii) a male index key, to ensurethat the electrical contacts on a docked accessory mate with theappropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The electrical contactsare formed of gold-plated nickel-plated copper, with copper pads, andthe remainder of the platform is formed of the same hard material as therest of the body of the mobile electronic device. Other connectionmechanisms, electrical contacts for communication one or both of dataand power, and alignment mechanism may be used without departing fromthe scope herein.

One skilled in the art will appreciate other possible embodiments, whichvary in (i) shape of platform; (ii) size of platform; (iii) number ofdocking accessory cavities; (iv) shape of docking accessory cavities;(v) size of docking accessory cavities; (vi) number of dockingconnectors; (vii) shape of docking connectors; (viii) size of dockingconnectors; (ix) mode of attachment of docking connectors to dockingaccessories; (x) configuration of electrical contacts; (xi) number ofelectrical contacts (including zero); (xii) mode of attachment ofplatform to the body of the mobile electronic device; and (xiii)materials of the platform and its components. These variations aremerely that, possible variations of the present invention, whichexemplify only some of the possible alternative forms the presentinvention may take. In addition, these variations are not meant to belimiting in any way.

An embodiment of the docking platform is formed in a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device andcomprises a primary recess formed within the selected surface. Theprimary recess forms a docking accessory cavity and may further supportone or more further recesses. The docking accessory cavity supports adocking connection system, which houses one or more docking connectors.One or both of the docking accessory cavity and the docking connectorsreleasably connect to at least two independent docking accessoriessimultaneously, the docking connection system constructed to enable thedocking accessory cavity to be open only at the selected surface.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system is operable toform a detachable attachment to a docking accessory without fixing theouter edges of the accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be formed with twoor more electrical contacts within the docking accessory cavity. One ormore of the electrical contacts electrically connected to electronicswithin the mobile electronic device and constructed and arranged toallow electrical communication to the docking accessory when the dockingaccessory is attached to the docking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be configured toenable power and data transmission between the mobile electronic deviceand the docking accessories by electrical connection to the dockingaccessories. Alternatively, the mobile electronic device may enable atleast one of power or data to be transmitted between the mobile deviceand the accessories through wireless technology.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may beconfigured to form a detachable mechanical bond with dockingaccessories. Alternative, the docking connection system may beconfigured to form a detachable magnetic bond with docking accessories.In addition, micro friction surfaces, high friction surfaces, orprotrusions and/or cutouts can be integrated into one or both of amagnetically attached accessory and its mating surface to inhibit motionin the perpendicular and rotational directions, relative to the normalforce direction, thus further securing the accessory to the dockingplatform. These features can also be used to enable one of a pluralityof accessory mounting orientations. In a further embodiment, switchablemagnet may be used to selective attach an accessory to a dockingplatform or other magnetic/metal surface.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may beconfigured to support a single docking connector operable to form adetachable attachment to two or more independent docking accessoriessimultaneously. In one example, the docking connection system mightcomprise a single magnetic element operable to form a detachablemagnetic attachment to two or more independent docking accessoriessimultaneously. Alternatively, the docking connection system may beconfigured to support more than one docking connector jointly operableto form a detachable attachment to two or more independent dockingaccessories simultaneously.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connector may be generallycircular.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory cavity might beelongated.

In one or more embodiments, docking accessories may operate in a firstmode of operation when connected to the docking platform and in a secondmode of operation when remote from the mobile electronic device. Themodes of operation depend on the type and functionality of the dockingaccessory.

In one or more embodiments, the selected surface in which the dockingplatform and an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory aresubstantially flush when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connection system.

In one or more embodiments, the selected surface in which the dockingplatform and an outwardly facing surface of the docking accessory aresubstantially flush when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connection system and in one or a plurality of physical oroperational modes.

In one or more embodiments, a docking system according to the presentinvention includes a docking platform formed in a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device. The dockingsystem is formed with a recessed docking accessory cavity that supportsa docking connection system. The docking connection system is configuredto form a detachable attachment to at least two independent dockingaccessories simultaneously. The docking connection system manufacturedsuch that the docking accessory cavity only opens at the selectedsurface. Optionally, two or more electrical contacts are formed withinthe docking accessory cavity and the electrical contacts are inelectronic communication with electronics within the mobile electronicdevice. A docking accessory, constructed and arranged to form adetachable attachment to the docking connection system, is formed tofacilitate the transmission of one or both of data and power between themobile electronic device and the docking accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may beoperable to form an attachment with a docking accessory without fixingthe positions of the outer edges of the attached accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory may be constructed andarranged to support an electrical connection with electrical contactswithin the docking connection system when the docking accessory isattached to the docking connection system.

In one or more embodiments, the docking system is configured with anaccordion structure extendable outwardly from the selected surface andretractable inwardly toward the selected surface. In some embodiments,the accordion's distal end is supports a docking accessory body. Theaccordion structure may be manufactured with a flexible circuit, forexample, a flat flex circuit or a flexible cable, disposed within theaccordion structure to enable electrical connection between the dockingaccessory body and the mobile electronic device.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory body is domed-shapedand/or formed with outer edges that are eased edges or tapered edges.These shape characteristics may reduce the likelihood of catching thedocking accessory on an objects or clothing.

In one or more embodiments, the docking accessory may be formed as abattery, a solar panel, a game control, an LED light, a hand-crankcharger, a weather sensor, a camera flash, a camera lens, anelectrophysiology sensor, a memory card, a keyboard, a massage paddle, aglucose monitor, a body fat monitor, a breathalyzer, an ultrasoundtransducer, or a pulse oximeter, among other docking accessories.

In one or more embodiments, a docking accessory system for a mobileelectronic device according to the present invention is formed with adocking accessory body, an accordion structure constructed to attach toa selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobileelectronic device. The accordion structure is capable of extendingoutward from the selected surface and retracting back toward theselected surface. The accordion's distal end may be attached to thedocking accessory body, and the docking accessory includes electronicsfor transmitting at least one of data or power between the accessory andthe mobile electronic device. In certain embodiments, the dockingaccessory system may additionally include a flexible circuit locatedwithin the accordion structure and configured to electrically connectingdocking accessory body and the mobile electronic device.

In one or more embodiments, a method of providing attachment of adocking accessory to a mobile electronic device according to the presentinvention may be accomplished by the following. A recessed dockingaccessory cavity is formed within a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronic device. A dockingconnection system is formed within the docking accessory cavity. Theconnection system is constructed and arranged to form a detachableattachment to a docking accessory. The docking accessory cavity isformed to open only at the selected surface, and enables the attacheddocking accessory to temporarily extend away from, and articulate atvarious angles to, the selected surface of the mobile electronic device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar toembodiments shown and described herein may be used without departingform the scope herein.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to mobileelectronic devices having docking connectors. A device according to thepresent invention includes a docking platform formed at one of thelargest-surface-area surfaces of the device, generally the back face ofthe device. The docking platform is formed with a docking connectionsystem, which includes one or more docking connectors. In one example,each docking connector supports at least one element for releasablyattaching to compatible docking accessories. The docking connectionsystem may be formed to enable multiple docking accessories to attachsimultaneously and independently to the mobile electronic device withoutfixing the outer edges of the accessories. The docking platform may alsoenable docking accessories to attach to the mobile device withoutsignificantly increasing the effective carrying size of the mobiledevice by enabling the volumes of the attached docking accessories to bedistributed, for example, across a portion of or the entirety of theselected surface, and not by the formation of an accessory cavity in themobile device. The docking platform is configured to accommodate a broadrange of shapes and sizes of docking accessories. The range of dockingaccessories that might be accommodated by the docking platform includes,for example, batteries, solar panels, game controls, LED lights,hand-crank chargers, weather sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses,electrophysiology sensors, memory cards, keyboards, massage paddles,glucose monitors, infrared fat monitors, breathalyzers, ultrasoundpaddles, and pulse oximeters. This list is merely meant to show some ofthe many possible docking accessories, and is not meant to be limitingin any way.

In one embodiment, the docking platform is integrally formed with thebody of a mobile electronic device. The docking platform includes adocking connection system, formed with a docking connector. The dockingconnector supports an elongated magnetic connection element formed, forexample, beneath the outermost surface of a back face of the mobileelectronic device, for temporarily attaching docking accessoriessecurely to the docking platform. In one embodiment, the dockingconnector supports two sets of nine electrical contacts, whichfacilitate the transmission of power and data to and from dockingaccessories. The electrical contacts may be formed of gold-platednickel-plated copper, with copper pads. Each set of nine contacts may bearranged in a generally circular fashion, with each contact disposedwithin a contact cavity for protecting the contact and for providinglateral stability to an attached docking accessory. In one or morepresent embodiments, the contact cavity is generally circular in shape.Optionally, one cavity may be oval in shape and serves as a female indexkey, to ensure that the electrical contacts on a docked accessory matewith the appropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The dockingplatform may be substantially formed of a hard material. In anembodiment, the docking platform is formed of the same material as thebody of the mobile electronic device.

Other embodiments may include variations in (i) number of dockingconnectors; (ii) shape of docking connectors; (iii) size of dockingconnectors; (iv) number of electrical contacts (including zero); (v)configuration of electrical contacts; (vi) number and configuration ofelectrical contact cavities; (vii) mode of attachment of platform to thebody of the mobile electronic device; (viii) materials of the platformand its components.

In one or more embodiments, the docking platform may be formed in aselected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronicdevice and includes a docking area, a docking connection system formedtherein. The docking connection system may be configured with either oneor more docking connectors having a magnetic element for removablyattaching docking accessories. The docking connection system may beconfigured to form a detachable attachment with at least two dockingaccessories independently and simultaneously. Optionally, the dockingconnection system utilizes two or more electrical contacts within thedocking area to connect docking accessories to electronics within themobile electronic device. The electrical contacts may be constructed andarranged to facilitate an electrical connection between the dockingaccessory and the docking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connector system may include anelectrical contact cavity formed to protect electrical contacts thereinand for providing lateral stability to docked accessories. Theelectrical contact cavity may be formed and configured to house oneelectrical contact, or alternatively, may be formed and configured tohouse more than one electrical contact.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connector system may include asingle docking connector configured to form a detachable attachment totwo or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. In aseparate embodiment, the docking connector system may include more thanone docking connector jointly operable to form a detachable attachmentto two or more docking accessories simultaneously and independently. Ina separate embodiment, the docking connector system may include morethan one docking connector, for example, two docking connectors, formedto cooperatively form a detachable attachment to one dockingaccessories. In each case, the docking connector system may be supportthe transmission of one or both of power and data between the dockingconnector system and the one or more docking accessories.

In one or more embodiments, the docking connection system may include analigning element for aligning the docking accessory.

In one or more embodiments, electrical contacts may be biased to form anelectrical connection with the docking accessory when the dockingaccessory is attached to the docking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking system according to the presentinvention comprises a docking platform formed in a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of a mobile electronic device (comprisinga docking area, a docking connector formed within the docking area, thedocking connector comprising a magnetic element for bonding with dockingaccessories, and optionally two (or more) electrical contacts within thedocking area, the contacts electrically connected to electronics withinthe electronic device), and a docking accessory constructed and arrangedto form a detachable attachment to the docking connector, the dockingaccessory further constructed to allow at least one of either data orpower transmission between the mobile electronic device and the dockingaccessory, the docking accessory optionally further constructed andarranged to allow electrical connection to the electrical contacts ofthe docking connector when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connector.

In one or more embodiments, the docking system may further include anaccordion formed to extend outwardly from the docking connector andretract back toward the docking connector. The accordion's distal end isattached to the docking accessory body. A flexible circuit, such as aflat flex circuit or a flexible cable), may be configured within theaccordion and connected between the electrical contacts and the dockingaccessory body, to provide one or both of power transmission and datatransmission between the docking system and the docking accessory.

Some possible docking accessories include, but are not limited to, abattery, a solar panel, a game control, an LED light, a hand-crankcharger, a weather sensor, a camera flash, a camera lens, anelectrophysiology sensor, a memory card, a keyboard, a massage paddle, aglucose monitor, an infrared fat monitor, a breathalyzer, an ultrasoundpaddle, and a pulse oximeter. This list is not meant to be exhaustive inany way, but is only meant to demonstrate some of the many possibleaccessories that may be adapted to present docking system.

In one or more embodiments, the detachable docking accessory system fora mobile electronic device according to the present invention includes adocking accessory body, an accordion structure constructed to attachmagnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces ofthe mobile electronic device configured to extend outwardly from theselected surface and retract back toward the selected surface. Theaccordion's distal end is attached to the docking accessory body.Optionally, a flexible circuit is configured within the accordion andprovides electrical connection between the mobile electronic device andthe docking accessory body.

In one or more embodiments, the detachable docking accessory system forthe mobile electronic device according to the present invention includesa docking accessory constructed, without an accordion, to attachmagnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-area surfaces ofthe mobile electronic device and optionally configured to electricallyconnect to the mobile electronic device.

One possible method of providing a docking accessory attachment for amobile electronic device according to the present invention may beaccomplished by forming a docking connector with a magnetic element fordetachably mating with a compatible docking accessory. The dockingaccessory is attached at a selected one of two largest-surface-areasurfaces, for example the back surface, of the mobile electronic device.

The method of providing a docking accessory attachment for a mobileelectronic device may further include forming two or more electricalcontacts within the selected surface, and electrically connecting thecontacts to electronics within the mobile electronic device. Additionalstep may include, forming an electrical contact cavity, forming amagnetic attachment for a docking accessory within the dockingconnector, and electrically connecting the docking accessory to theelectrical contacts. Optionally, two or more docking connectors may beformed within the docking area.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar toembodiments shown and described herein may be used.

One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to adocking platform system comprising a docking platform and compatibleelectronic and/or mechanical docking accessories, the docking platformconfigured to detachably attach to a mobile electronic device andfurther configured to enable detachable attachment of a variety ofdocking accessories to the docking platform.

The docking platform includes a mobile electronic device connectionsystem for mechanically, and optionally electrically, temporarily matingthe docking platform to a mobile electronic device. The docking platformand mobile electronic device connection system may be formed to attachto one of the largest-surface-area surfaces of the mobile electronicdevice, generally the back surface of the mobile electronic device.Portions of the docking platform may be formed to attach to the backsurface of a mobile electronic device case (or partial case) or may beformed to attach to the sides or front edges of the mobile electronicdevice. Optional electrical contacts may be used to transfer power,data, and/or signals between the docking platform and the mobileelectronic device. The docking platform may, in some embodiments,communicate wirelessly with the mobile electronic device. The dockingplatform may further wirelessly receive power from, or provide power to,a mobile electronic device or may receive power from a compatiblewireless charging device.

The docking platform additionally includes an accessory docking systemfor mechanically, and optionally electrically, mating one or moredocking accessories to the docking platform, and the accessory dockingsystem may be configured to enable a plurality of docking accessories toattach simultaneously and independently to the docking platform.Optional electrical contacts may be used to transfer power, data, and/orsignals between docking accessories and the docking platform. Dockingaccessories may, in some embodiments, communicate wirelessly with thedocking platform and/or with a mobile electronic device. Dockingaccessories may wirelessly receive power from, or provide power to, thedocking platform or mobile electronic device or may receive power from acompatible wireless charging device.

The docking platform may comprise a power transfer or power source fordocking accessories and may house additional electronic subsystems.

In one embodiment, the docking platform may be formed as a thin and flat(or thin and gently contoured) platform. Such a docking platform,combined with docking accessories formed to be distributed across asignificant portion of the back surface of the docking platform, enablesaccessory attachment without significantly increasing the effectivecarrying size of the mobile electronic device.

The docking platform may be formed to accommodate a broad range ofshapes, sizes, and types of docking accessories. The range of dockingaccessories that might be accommodated by the docking platform includes,for example, batteries, solar panels, wireless chargers, wirelesscharging receivers, game controls, LED lights, hand-crank chargers,weather sensors, particulate sensors, chemical sensors, pressure andweight sensors, camera flashes, camera lenses, electrophysiologysensors, memory cards and storage devices, keyboards, roboticmechanisms, glucose monitors, infrared fat monitors, breathalyzers,massage paddles, ultrasound paddles, pulse oximeters, speakers,headphones, headphone cable interfaces, general cable interfaces,stands, surface attachment mechanisms (suction cups, clips, etc.), andauthorization devices, among other accessories.

Robotic mechanisms include but are not limited to, ground, air, andwater maneuverable devices wired or wirelessly linked to a dockingplatform or mobile electronic device of the present invention. Roboticmechanisms may even support their own docking accessories as disclosesherein.

In one embodiment, the docking platform comprises a layer ofpolyurethane sticky gel, the sticky gel attached permanently to one ofthe two major surfaces of the docking platform and configured to formdetachable attachments to external smooth surfaces, including the backsurfaces of typical mobile electronic devices and their cases.

In one embodiment, the accessory docking system of the docking platformcomprises a docking connector comprising an elongated magnetic element(or magnetic attracting element) formed on or within the dockingplatform, for temporarily attaching docking accessories securely to thedocking platform, and two sets of nine electrical contacts, fortransmission of power and data to and from docking accessories. Theelectrical contacts are formed of gold-plated nickel-plated copper, withcopper pads. Each set of nine contacts is arranged in a generallycircular fashion, with each contact disposed within a contact cavity forprotecting the contact and for providing lateral stability to attacheddocking accessories. The contact cavities are generally circular inshape, except for one that is oval and serves also as a female indexkey, to ensure that the electrical contacts on a docked accessory matewith the appropriate contacts on the docking connectors. The remainderof the docking platform is formed of plastic or aluminum. The dockingplatform is constructed to allow (i) wireless transmission of databetween the mobile electronic device and attached docking accessoriesand (ii) power transmission between the platform and attached dockingaccessories.

In one embodiment, the detachable docking platform is attached to thebody of the mobile electronic device during the manufacture and assemblyof the mobile electronic device.

In some embodiments, the detachable docking platform comprises a mobileelectronic device case and/or comprises elements that extend over thenarrow sides and/or front edges of the mobile electronic device (orportions of sides and edges, thereof). In one embodiment, the detachabledocking platform extends along one or more sides or corners of themobile electronic device as a means of attachment and optionally as ameans of protecting the device.

In some embodiments, the detachable docking platform body may cover theentire back surface of the mobile electronic device or only part of theback surface of the device.

In one embodiment, the detachable docking platform is configured toconform to a cavity formed on the back surface of a compatible mobileelectronic device. In one embodiment, the detachable docking platformbody includes cut-outs corresponding to features of compatible mobileelectronic devices, such as lenses, flashes, and logos.

In some embodiments, the mechanism for attaching the docking platform tothe mobile electronic device is designed to prevent unintended orunauthorized release of the platform from the device; examples of suchmechanisms include tamper-resistant screws, snap-fits, slot-releases,hole-releases, or key-releases.

Other embodiments include variations in (i) number of accessory dockingsystem attachment areas; (ii) number of electronic mobile deviceconnection system attachment areas; (iii) shape of connectors; (iv) sizeof connectors; (v) number of electrical contacts (including zero); (vi)configuration of electrical contacts; (vii) number and configuration ofelectrical contact cavities; (viii) mode of detachable attachment of thedocking platform to the mobile electronic device (for example, snap-fit,magnetic bond, suction cup, micro-suction tape, spring-clip mechanism,slot-hole key release, reusable adhesive, slide-lock, or screw); (ix)mode of attachment of docking accessories to the docking platform; (x)materials of the docking platform and its components; and (xi) types ofelectronic functions housed within the docking platform; among othervariations.

The docking-connector system may comprise an electrical contact cavityfor protecting an electrical contact and for providing lateral stabilityto attached docking accessories, among other purposes. The electricalcontact cavity may be formed and configured to house one electricalcontact, or it may be formed and configured to house more than oneelectrical contact.

The docking-connector system may comprise a single docking connectoroperable to form a detachable attachment to two or more dockingaccessories simultaneously and independently, or the docking-connectorsystem may comprise more than one docking connector jointly operable toform a detachable attachment to two or more docking accessoriessimultaneously and independently.

The docking-connector system may include an aligning element foraligning the docking accessory.

The electrical contacts may be biased to form an electrical connectionwith the docking accessory when the docking accessory is attached to thedocking connector.

A docking platform system according to the present invention comprisesan accessory docking system and a docking accessory constructed andarranged to form a detachable attachment to the docking platform, thedocking platform further constructed to form a detachable attachment tothe back surface of a mobile electronic device, the docking platformfurther constructed to allow wireless transmission of data between themobile electronic device and attached docking accessories, the dockingplatform further constructed to allow power transmission between theplatform and attached docking accessories, the docking accessoryoptionally further constructed and arranged to allow electricalconnection to the electrical contacts of the docking platform when thedocking accessory is attached to the docking platform.

The docking accessory may comprise a docking accessory body furthercomprising a docking connector, the docking connector formed andconfigured to mechanically, and optionally electrically, mate with thedocking platform. The docking accessory may optionally include anextending element of any type or may be formed without any suchextending element.

The docking system may further include an accordion capable of extendingoutward from the accessory docking system connector and retracting backtoward the connector, the accordion distal end attached to the dockingaccessory body. A flexible circuit (such as a flat flex circuit or aflexible cable) may be formed within the accordion and connected betweenthe electrical contacts and the docking accessory body.

A detachable docking accessory system for a docking platform accordingto the present invention comprises a docking accessory body, anaccordion constructed to attach magnetically to a selected one of twolargest-surface-area surfaces of the docking platform and capable ofextending outward from the selected surface and retracting back towardthe selected surface, the accordion distal end attached to the dockingaccessory body, and optionally a flexible circuit formed within theaccordion and configured to electrically connect to the docking platformand the docking accessory body. A second detachable docking accessorysystem for a mobile electronic device according to the present inventioncomprises a docking accessory constructed, without an accordion, toattach magnetically to a selected one of two largest-surface-areasurfaces of the docking platform and configured to electrically connectto the docking platform.

The method of allowing attachment of a docking accessory to a dockingplatform according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) forming a docking platform comprising a docking platform        body, a connection system, operable to form a detachable bond        with a compatible docking accessory;

The method may further include the steps of:

-   -   (b) forming two (or more) electrical contacts within a selected        largest-surface-area surface of the docking platform, and        electrically connecting the contacts to electronics within the        docking platform, the electronic configured for wireless        communication of data to and from the mobile electronic device;    -   (c) forming an electrical contact cavity;    -   (d) attaching a docking accessory to the docking platform; and    -   (e) electrically connecting the docking accessory to the        electrical contacts.

Step (a) may form two or more docking connectors within the dockingarea.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that configurations similar toembodiments shown and described herein may be used.

FIGS. 2A-C illustrate one embodiment of docking connectors 4. FIGS. 3Aand 3B illustrate one possible alternative embodiment of dockingconnectors 5. In both embodiments a plurality of electrical contacts 19are arranged in a circular pattern about the docking connectors. It willbe appreciated that other patterns, shapes, and numbers of connectorsmay be used without departing from the scope herein. By way of example,pins of an exemplary docking connector are arranged as shown in Table 1.The same contacts could be arranged in various circular patterns toform, for example, the connector patterns as shown in FIGS. 2A-C andFIG. 3A-B. Depending on the specific docking connector configuration ofthe mobile electronic device and what accessory is to be used, variouspins are connected and active.

TABLE 1 Pin Name Description 1 GND Ground 2 V + Out Power Out (todocking accessory) 3 V + In Power In (from docking accessory) 4 D+ DataPositive 5 D− Data Negative 6 Detection/ (optional) Identification/Configuration 7 Clock (optional) 8 and Expansion (optional) greater

FIG. 2A shows a mobile electronic device 1 with a docking platform 2 ona rear device face 38, in an embodiment. Docking platform 2 is formedwith a docking connection system 49 having two docking connectors 4situated in an accessory cavity 3. FIG. 2B shows a back view of mobileelectronic device 1 with docking platform 2 and a detailed view of oneof docking connectors 4. Docking connector 4 is shown with a circularfemale snap-fit 24, male index key 26, and docking connector electricalcontacts 19. FIG. 2C is a sectional view through line A-A of FIG. 2A.Circular arrays of docking connector electrical contacts 19 are disposedevenly around an inner rim 48 of female snap-fit 24 of each dockingconnector 4.

FIG. 3A shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 havingdocking connectors 4 replaced with docking connectors 5. In FIG. 3A,electrical contacts 19 of docking connectors 5 are arranged inconcentric circles to form a socket within each docking connector 5.FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of one of docking connectors 5 of FIG. 3A.Rather than being arranged about an inner rim of a female snap-fitfeature (see connectors 4 of FIGS. 2A-C), electrical contacts 19 areformed within an inner base 47 of each connector 5. Although electricalcontacts 19 are shown forming concentric circles within base 47, it willbe appreciated that alternate arrangements of contacts 19 are possible.

Connectors 5 are shown to include optional male index keys 26. Allconnectors discussed herein, including those shown in FIGS. 2A-C and3A-B, should not be considered limiting in any way, but merely examplesof possible connectors that can be utilized with the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of mobile electronic device 1 of FIG. 2Awith two unattached basic generic docking accessories 6. FIG. 4B is aside view of the arrangement of FIG. 4A, illustrating a dockingaccessory male snap-fit 7 extending from a docking side 46 of eachdocking accessory 6. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of mobile electronicdevice 1 of FIG. 4A, with docking accessories 6 attached with dockingconnectors 4 of docking platform 2. It should be understood that in thisembodiment, docking accessory cavity 3 may be sized to facilitate flat,level and even substantially coplanar alignment of visible/operatingsurfaces 45 of accessories 6 with rear device surface 38 of device 1,when accessories 6 are secured as shown in FIG. 4C. This beneficialarrangement of accessories 6 may not increase, or may insignificantlyincrease, overall thickness of device 1 (with accessories 6 attached),and reduces the chance of catching an accessory on clothing or the like.If an accessory is too thick to sit flush with the back surface ofdevice 1, cavity 3 still beneficially minimizes the combined thicknessof mobile electronic device 1 and the accessory, and also reducesinterference caused by the thicker accessory's exposed portions catchingon other objects, surfaces, edges, etc. It will be appreciated thatdocking accessories may be formed to couple with both recessed andnon-recessed accessory docking systems, the latter of which arediscussed below with reference to FIGS. 21-40 .

FIG. 5 is a bottom, perspective view of basic generic docking accessory6. Docking accessory 6 of FIG. 5 is configured for removably attachingto docking connector 4, FIG. 2A. A female index key 22, shown formedwithin male snap-fit connector 7, facilitates in aligning and matingaccessory 6 with connector 4. When mated, accessory connector electricalcontacts 23 make contact with docking connector electrical contacts 19to provide transmission of one or more of power, signals, and data.

FIGS. 6A-F illustrate an extendable docking accessory assembly 8 formedof a docking accessory body 9 attached to or formed with a dockingaccessory accordion 10. Expandable docking accessory assembly 8 mayadjustably extend outward from back surface 38 of device 1 by expandingaccessory accordion 10. Accessory assembly 8 is very similar to thesockets (comprising in general an accordion and an end cap) taught inU.S. Pat. No. 8,560,031 (incorporated herein by reference). Accessorybody 9 may be configured with any of the docking accessory functionalitydiscloses herein, for example, audio speakers, camera, a camera flash, alight, electrophysiological sensors, to name only a few.

In particular, FIG. 6A shows mobile electronic device 1 proximate twounattached docking accessory assemblies 8 in their expanded states. FIG.6B shows docking accessory bodies 9 separated from accordions 10. Flexcircuits 16 are shown disposed within accordions 10.

FIG. 6C is a side view of the arrangement of FIG. 6B. FIG. 6Dschematically illustrates accessory assemblies 8 attached to dockingconnectors 4.

FIG. 6E is a sectional view of the exploded arrangement of FIGS. 6B and6C, taken along line B-B of FIG. 6B. A female connector 21 is shownconfigured with accessory 9. Accordions 10 are formed with flex circuits16, which do not inhibit accordions 10 when accordions 10 are collapsedsubstantially flush with or proximate back surface 38 of device 1,within cavity 3. A female index key 17 formed within a docking surface63 of accordion 10 (similar to female index key 22 of docking surface ofaccessory 6) aligns with male index key 26 of docking connector 4 toensure proper connection. FIG. 6F is a sectional view through line C-Cof FIG. 6D, showing docking accessory assemblies 8 attached to mobileelectronic device 1. Male snap-fit connector 15 attaches to dockingconnector 4 female snap-fit 24. Bi-stable accordion flipper walls 14 arein their upward states.

FIG. 7 shows mobile electronic device 1 with the docking platform ofFIG. 2 or FIG. 3 , with attached generic docking accessories that may bebasic accessories 6, expandable docking accessory assemblies 8 in theircollapsed states, or some other accessory.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of mobile electronic device 1 with expandabledocking accessory assemblies 8 in one of its many partially collapsedstates. This configuration is useful for orienting the faces of certaindocking accessories, for example electrophysiology devices such as ECGaccessories, for optimal functioning.

FIG. 9A shows one embodiment of an isometric bottom view of anextendable docking accessory assembly 8 in its fully expanded state.Male electrical contacts 18 are configured to engage with femaleelectrical contacts 19 of docking connector 4 as shown in FIG. 2A.Female index key 17 aligns with male index key 26 to facilitate properorientation when attaching extendable docking accessory assembly 8 todocking platform 2. When accessory assembly 8 moves from an expandedstate to a collapsed state, flexural hinges 13 flex to facilitatevertical walls 12 of accessory 8 to move into a stable concentricconfiguration as accordion 10's flipper walls 14 move from a stableupward state, with the outer edges above their inner edges, to a stabledownward state, whereby the outer edges are below the inner edges. Vents11 facilitate the exchange of air through flipper wall 14 when expandingand compressing the extendable docking accessory assembly 8.

FIG. 9B shows an isometric top view of accordion 10 of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9Cshows an exploded, isometric, bottom view of accessory 8 and accordion10 with an expanded view of accessory connector 21. FIG. 9E shows a topview of the same arrangement with an expanded view of flex circuit 16.FIG. 9F shows accordion flex circuit 16 is disposed within accordion 10,and provides electrical connection between device 1, via contacts 19shown in FIG. 2B, and male electrical contact 18 shown in FIG. 9A, andaccessory body 9, via connector 21. FIG. 9G shows an isometric view ofaccessory connector 21. Contacts 20 are inserted into port 25 to connectaccessory body 9. As an option, accessory body 9 may be detachable fromaccordion 10.

FIGS. 10A-D show one example of a set of speaker accessories 27 used inconjunction with accordions 10. FIG. 10A is an isometric view of mobileelectronic device 1 with two docked speaker accessories 27, in oneexpanded mode for resting one edge of device 1 and one edge each ofspeaker accessory bodies 28 on a surface, such as a table top. Thisextension configuration is useful for holding the device in anear-vertical position without blocking speaker accessories 27.

FIG. 10B shows an isometric top view of speaker accessory 27, comprisingspeaker accessory body 28 and accordion 10. FIG. 10C shows an isometricside exploded view of the speaker accessory 27 of FIG. 10B. Accordionflex circuit 16 can be seen within accordion 10, detached from speakeraccessory body 28. FIG. 10D is an exploded, isometric, bottom view ofspeaker accessory 27. Speaker 29, which may be for example apiezoelectric speaker, connects to accessory connector 21. Accessoryconnector 21 connects to flex circuit 16 via port 25 as shown in FIG. 9. By way of example, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1, speaker29 may use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, which are Ground, Power Out, DataPositive, and Data Negative, respectively. With this pin-outarrangement, encoded data may be used for accessory detection. Inanother example, speaker 29 may use pins 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9, which areGround, Power Out, Detection, left channel analog audio, and rightchannel analog audio, respectively. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that many other pin-out arrangements are possible, includingarrangements for a self-powered speaker accessory, without departingfrom the scope herein.

In one embodiment, speaker accessory speaker 29 is a Murata VSLBF seriesspeaker; size 0.5 mm thick, 13 mm wide, 19 mm long; frequency range 200Hz to 20 kHz; sound pressure level 93.5 dB+/−3.0 dB; resonant frequency1150 Hz+/−20%; capacitance 1.5 μF+/−30%; maximal sinusoidal voltage 5.0Vrms; operating temperature range −20 to 70° C.

FIGS. 11A-C show one embodiment of a solar charging accessory 30. FIG.11A shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with dockedsolar charging accessory 30. FIG. 118 shows an isometric top view ofsolar charging accessory 30. FIG. 11C shows a bottom view of solarcharging accessory 30. In this embodiment, docking connects are dockingconnectors 4 as shown in FIG. 2 . As an alternative, docking connectorsmay be docking connectors 5 as shown in FIG. 3 or other arrangementsdescribed or not described herein. Taking the pin-out arrangement ofTable 1 as an example, charging accessory 30 might connect to pins 1, 3,and 6, comprising Ground, Power In, and Detection/Configuration,respectively.

In one embodiment, solar charger accessory 30 is a custommonocrystalline silicon solar cell encapsulated in epoxy resin; 5.5V; 60mA; maximum power (Pm) 0.33 W.

FIGS. 12A-C show one embodiment of a supplemental battery accessory 31.FIG. 12A shows an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 withdocked supplemental battery accessory 31. FIG. 128 shows a top view ofsupplemental battery accessory 31. FIG. 12C shows a bottom view ofsupplemental battery accessory 31.

Similar to the solar charging accessory 30 of FIG. 11A-C, batteryaccessory 31 may use docking connectors 4, docking connectors 5 or someother docking connector described or not described herein. Again takingthe pin-out arrangement of Table 1 as an example, supplemental batteryaccessory 31 might connect to pins 1, 3, and 6, comprising Ground, PowerIn, and Detection/Configuration, respectively.

As one embodiment, supplemental battery accessory 31 is a custom polymerLi-Ion, 3.7V, 800 mAh, 2.96 wh, UN approved.

FIGS. 13A-C shows one embodiment of a set of electrophysiology sensoraccessories used in conjunction with accordions 10. In a separateembodiment, electrophysiology sensor accessories may be used with adocking accessory similar to docking accessory 6 of FIGS. 4-5 . FIG. 13Ais an isometric view of mobile electronic device 1 with two dockedelectrophysiology sensor accessories 33, in one expanded mode. Thisextension configuration is useful, for example, for maintaining goodsensor contact when the sensors are held against a person's skin, suchas the varying curvatures of the chest, for gatheringelectrophysiological data.

FIG. 13B shows an isometric top view of electrophysiology sensoraccessory 33 with fully expanded accordion 10.

FIG. 13C shows an exploded, isometric, side view of electrophysiologysensor accessory 33 with fully expanded accordion 10. Accordion flexcircuit 16 can be seen within accordion 10, detached fromelectrophysiology sensor accessory body 34. Electrophysiology sensorelectrode 35 connects to accessory connector 21 (shown in FIG. 9C),which will connect to flex circuit 16 via port 25 as shown in FIG. 9 .In one embodiment which uses the device pin-out shown in Table 1,electrophysiology sensor 33 might use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, comprisingGround, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively, inconjunction with accessory-mounted isolation or other safety components.Under this pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessoryidentification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many otherpin-out arrangements are possible, including arrangements for aself-powered electrophysiology sensor accessory.

In one embodiment, electrophysiology sensor accessory 33 is anelectrocardiograph (ECG) sensor consisting of a silver chlorideelectrode, analog front end, digital-to-analog converter,microprocessor, and USB controller.

FIGS. 14A-D show one embodiment of a game controller accessory 36. FIG.14A shows an isometric top view of game controller accessory 36 in itsclosed state. FIG. 14B shows a bottom view of game controller accessory36 of FIG. 14A. Similar to the solar charging accessory 30 of FIG.11A-C, game controller accessory 36 may use docking connectors 4,docking connectors 5, or some other docking connector described or notdescribed herein.

FIG. 14C shows a back view of mobile electronic device 1 with dockedgame controller accessory 36 in one of its partially open states. Gamecontroller base tracks 40 provide functionality for game controlleraccessory sliding control panel 37 to slide into open states, as shownin FIG. 14C-D.

FIG. 14D shows a front view of mobile electronic device 1 with dockedgame controller accessory 36 in its fully open state. This state isconvenient for holding the mobile electronic device 1 while operatingthe game controller accessory buttons 39. This also removes controlsfrom the provided screen, such that full screen may be used for visualinteraction with a game without losing valuable screen space tocontrols. In one embodiment, given the device pin-out shown in Table 1,game controller accessory 36 might use pins 1, 2, 4, and 5, comprisingGround, Power Out, Data Positive, and Data Negative, respectively. Underthis pin-out arrangement, encoded data may be used for accessoryidentification. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many otherpin-out arrangements are possible.

As an example, game controller accessory 36 is a thumb-operated keypadconsisting of a mechanical-slide subassembly, user interface switches, amicrocontroller, and a USB controller.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed above describemultiple levels of cooperation between docking connectors, for exampledocking connectors 4 and 5, and docking accessories. Some dockingaccessories are configured operate independently, whiles otheraccessories cooperate, for example a camera accessory and a camera flashaccessory, left and right stereo speakers accessories 27, andelectrophysiology sensor 33, while still others are formed as a singleaccessory that utilizes two or more docking connectors, for examplesolar charging accessory 30, battery accessory 31, and game controller36. Functionality for recognizing, facilitating, and otherwise providingthese multiple levels of cooperation between docking accessories anddocking connectors is also provided herein.

FIG. 15A shows an isometric view of a generic docking system, whichincludes a generic docking accessory 61 and mobile electronic device 71,similar to mobile electronic device 1. Device 71 is formed with dockingplatform having a generic docking accessory cavity 41 and dockingconnection system 49. Docking accessory 61 may be, for example, abattery, breathalyzer, massage paddle, LED light, camera flash,radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, RFID reader, hand crankcharger, hand pump charger, game controller, laser level, laser waterpurifier, scent generator, self-defense taser, lie detector device,credit card reader, robotic foot, a display such as a low-energydisplay, thermometer, power adaptor, halitosis detector, hygrometer,digital scale, anemometer, water analysis tool, altimeter, barometer,wireless headset, mechanical keyboard, optical projection keyboard,proximity sensor, video projector, DJ control/mixing functionality,remote control, memory card, headphones connector, accelerometer,pedometer, 3D motion tracking device, security perimeter,electrophysiology sensor, biofeedback device, diagnostic ultrasounddevice, therapeutic ultrasound, defibrillator, blood glucose monitor,pulse oximeter, finger print ID, laptop data lock, speaker, solar panel,walkie talkie, laser hair removal device, laser hair stimulator, or UVdisinfector. The docking platform of device 71 is formed such that itmay accept more than one docking accessory with the generic dockingaccessory cavity 41, as can be seen by viewing both FIGS. 15A and 15B.

FIG. 15B shows an isometric view of the mobile electronic devices1500-1510 similar to mobile electronic devices 71 of FIG. 15A withisometric views of at least six embodiments of docking platform 2. Itwill be appreciated that views shown in FIGS. 15A-8 may be isometricfront view or isometric back views. Clockwise from the upper left cornerof FIG. 15B, an embodiment 1500 of docking platform 2 is the platform ofFIG. 2 , with Detail A view of docking connector 4.

An embodiment 1502 of docking platform 2, center top of FIG. 15B, is theplatform of FIG. 3 , with Detail 8 view of docking connector 5.

An embodiment 1504 of docking platform 2, top right of FIG. 15B,includes oval docking accessory cavity 51 and two docking connectors 52,each formed at one of the centers of the two circular ends of ovalaccessory cavity 51. Detail C is a detailed view of docking connector52, connector 52 comprising annular connector cavity 53, cavity 53further comprising a set of ten docking connector electrical contacts19, this set of ten contacts comprising two duplicate sets of fiveelectrical contacts 19, this pair of duplicate sets of contacts,together with two female aligning elements 54, enable attached dockingaccessories to be oriented in either of two positions separated by 180degrees of rotation, connector 52 further comprising annular magneticattachment system 55, attachment system 55 comprising a disc-shapedmagnetic element formed beneath the surface of connector 52 to enablecompatible docking accessories to form detachable magnetic attachmentsto connector 52.

An embodiment 1506 of docking platform 2, bottom right of FIG. 15B,includes oval docking accessory cavity 51 and docking connector 58,connector 58 comprising magnetic attachment system 59, magnetic system59 comprising a single elongated magnetic element formed beneath thebottom face of accessory cavity 51 to enable docking connector 58 toform a detachable attachment to multiple independent dockingaccessories, the docking accessories operable to wirelessly transmitand/or receive at least one of data or power with mobile device 1. Notethat docking connector 58 includes no electrical contacts. Also, it willbe understood that although magnetic attachment system 59 is shown as asingle elongated attached system, more than one magnetic attachmentsystem may be used and different shaped attachment systems may be usedwithout departing from the scope herein.

An embodiment 1508 of docking platform 2, bottom center of FIG. 15B,includes hourglass docking accessory cavity 60 and two dockingconnectors 56, connectors 56 each comprising fixed tab 62, spring tab57, and docking connector electrical contacts 19. Detail D is a detailedview of spring tab 57 and five electrical contacts 19. Docking connector56 is operable to form a detachable attachment to compatible dockingaccessories that are wedged between fixed tab 62 and spring tab 57. Torelease the docking accessories, spring tab 57 slides in the directionopposite the docking accessory.

An embodiment 1510 of docking platform 2, bottom left of FIG. 15B,includes oval docking accessory cavity 51 and docking connector 42.Detail E is a detailed view of docking connector 42, connector 42comprising eight docking connector cavities 43, nine electrical contacts19, one female aligning element 44, docking connector magneticattachment system 50, attachment system 50 comprising a single annularmagnetic element formed beneath the surface of accessory cavity 51, forforming detachable attachments with compatible docking accessories.

FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of the presentinvention implemented with a tablet device 32. In this embodiment,tablet device 32 is shown with one attached generic expanding dockingaccessory, similar to attached generic expanding docking accessory 6. Inone embodiment, the expanding docking accessory body measures roughlyfive inches in diameter, with an expanding docking accessory accordionthat expands roughly three inches away from the backside of tabletdevice 32. Tablet device 32 may be configured with any and all abovedescribed docking platforms, docking connectors, docking accessories,etc. without departing from the scope herein. The size, shape, andnumber of docking connectors, docking platforms, docking cavities,docking accessories, etc. may vary without departing form the scopeherein.

FIG. 17A shows one embodiment of a physiological/biometric function 1700performed and displayed by, for example, mobile electronic device 1, 180in cooperation with electrophysiology sensor electrode 35. After dockingplatform 2, 300 or mobile electronic device 1, 180 establishesauthenticated communications with a pulse oximeter docking accessory,biological data may be displayed on a screen of mobile electronic device1, 180, as shown in FIG. 17B.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary camera display function 250 performed bymobile electronic device 1, 180. After docking platform 2, 200, 300 ormobile electronic device 1, 180 establishes authenticated communicationswith cooperating accessories like lens accessory 170B, 222, 362 andsupplemental flash accessory 170A, 220, 360, mobile electronic device 1,180 may display camera display function 250.

FIG. 19 shows an example audio display function 252 performed by dockingplatform 2, 300 or mobile electronic device 1, 180 in association with asound or music application function. After docking platform 2, 300 ormobile electronic device 1, 180 establishes authenticated communicationswith cooperating accessories, like left and right stereo speakeraccessories 28, mobile electronic device 1, 180 may display audiodisplay function 252.

FIG. 20 shows an exemplary battery function 254 performed by dockingplatform 2 or mobile electronic device 1, 180. After docking platform 2,200, 300 or mobile electronic device 1, 180 establishes communicationswith supplemental battery accessory 31, docking platform 2, 300 ormobile electronic device 1, 180 may display battery function 254.

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart 510 detailing a method of establishing a linkbetween one or more docking accessories and a docking platform. Thefollowing description is directed to establishing a suitable linkbetween one or more accessories and a docking platform. It will beunderstood that the same method may be applied to linking one or moreaccessories and a mobile electronic device. In addition, with only minormodifications the present method could be adapted to (1) link a dockingplatform to a mobile electronic device or (2) directly or indirectlylinking one or more accessories, a docking platform, and a mobileelectronic device to each other. In addition, the present method may beutilized for both recesses and flush mounted accessory systems, such asdocking platform 2 and docking platform 300.

At step 500, method 510 determines if a docking accessory is physicallydocked to a compatible docking platform. One example of step 500 iscontroller/processor subassembly 320 of docking platform 300 registeringa physical connection to one or more accessories 360, 362. Ifcontroller/processor subassembly 320 determines docking accessory 360,362 is physically docked, method 510 moves to step 501, otherwise method510 moves to step 502.

At step 501, method 510 determines if the docking accessory iselectrically connected to an electrical contact-compatible dockingplatform. In one example of step 501, controller/processor subassembly320 of docking platform 300 determines that accessory 360, 362 iselectrically connected. Electrical connection may be for purposes ofcommunication or the transfer of power. If method 510 determines thatthere is no electrical contact made, method 510 moves to step 502,otherwise method 510 moves to step 503.

At step 502, method 510 determines if the docking accessory supports oneor more of wireless communication and wireless power transfer. If instep 502, method 510 determines the docking accessory is not a wirelessaccessory, method 510 moves to step 504, where no data or power link isformed and no further action is taken. If in step 502, method 510determines that the docking accessory is a wireless docking accessory,step 502 moves to step 503. In one example of step 502,controller/processor subassembly 320 of docking platform 300 determinesthat accessory 360, 362 is a wireless accessory such as a wirelesscamera accessory.

At step 503, method 510 attempts to establish an authenticatedcommunication link with the docking accessory. If no link can beestablished, method 510 moves to step 504, and no further action takesplace, otherwise, once linked, method 510 moves to step 505. In oneexample of step 503, wireless communication subassembly 330 of dockingplatform 300 establishes a communication link between docking platform300 and accessory 360, 362 by any one of know methods. It will beappreciated by one skilled in the art that docking accessories anddocking platforms of the present invention, such as docking accessories6, 360, 362 and docking platforms 2, 200, 300, may be wireless linked tomore than one other device (e.g., a computer, an docking accessory, amobile device, a different docking platform, etc.), for example, to actas an intermediary, for purposes of coordination, cooperation, and/orcommunication, or for unrelated communications.

At step 505 of method 510, a determination is made regarding the typeand configuration of the linked docking accessory. In one example,controller/processor subassembly 320 of docking platform 300 determinesthat a docking accessory is one version of camera accessory 362, such asa camera accessory 362 having a 28 mm F/1.8 lens that does not includean integrated flash. Determining the type and configuration of a linkeddocking accessory may be done by, for example, a message passingprotocol between the docking accessory 362 and docking platform 300.Method 505 then moves to step 506.

At step 506, method 510 determines, for example by utilizing a messagepassing protocol, the types and level of cooperation/operability betweenthe docking platform and the one or more docking accessories. In oneexample, docking platform 300 determines that a docking accessory 360,362 supports one or more interoperability modes, for example a cameraaccessory 362 that interoperates with a flash accessory 360. In anotherexample, docking platform 2 determines that docked speaker accessory 28can interoperate with another docked speaker accessory 28 to form a leftand right stereo speaker pair or a bass and treble speaker pair. Instill another example, docking platform 100 determines the dockingaccessory is a single docking accessory that utilizes two or moredocking connectors, like game controller accessory 124, batteryaccessory 31, or solar charger accessory 30. Method 510 then moves tostep 507. Alternative, docking platform 100 determines there is notcooperation/interoperability between the attached docking accessories,such as hygrometer/barometer/thermometer docking accessory 120 andflashlight docking accessory 122.

At step 507, method 510 performs one or more functions, depending on thenumber, type, configuration, and operability mode(s) of one or morecurrently docked docking accessories. In one example of step 507,docking platform 2 initializes functionality to enable speakeraccessories 28 to cooperate by designating one speaker accessory 28 as aright speaker and the other speaker accessory 28 as a left speaker andtransmitting left and right channel amplified signals so speakeraccessories 28 function as a stereo speaker system. In another example,docking platform 300 includes functionality to enable camera accessory362 and flash accessory 360 to coordinate such that a flash is deliveredunder low light conditions when an image capture event is signaled, asdepicted in FIG. 29 . In still another example, a wireless link isestablished at step 503, and a wireless scale may operate, in oneembodiment, independently of any docked accessories.

It will be understood that a linked accessory does not need to becontinuously connected to its docking platform or mobile electronicdevice, but can, after linking, be located a position spaced away fromthe linked docking platform or mobile electronic device. Some examplesof locating a linked accessory at a position spaced from the linkeddocking platform or mobile electronic device include, but are notlimited to cameras accessories, audio speaker accessories, physiologicalsensing accessories, motion detector accessories, GPS accessories, etc.

Platform Embodiments

One embodiment of the docking platform system, docking platform system150, is shown in a partial exploded view in FIG. 22A and comprises adocking platform 160 and one or more docking accessories. Exampledocking accessories 170A, 170B are shown in FIG. 22A aligned with anddetached from docking platform 160. Also shown in FIG. 22A is a mobileelectronic device 180 (shown detached), which is compatible with dockingplatform system 150. Mobile electronic device 180 may be a mobile phone,smartphone, electronic tablet, portable media player, or other mobileelectronic device.

Docking platform 160 is formed to detachably attach to mobile electronicdevices at its front surface 164 and to enable detachable attachment ofdocking accessories to the docking platform at its back surface 162.Docking platform 160 may be made generally thin in one dimension and, asdiscussed immediately above, includes two primary attachment surfaces: adocking platform back surface 162 and a docking platform front surface164.

Docking accessories 170A, 170B may attach to docking platform 160's backsurface 162, or to cavities or protrusions thereon, by way of anaccessory docking system, an example of which is depicted as accessorydocking system 172A, 172B. Docking platform 160 may include a mobileelectronic device connection system (not shown in FIG. 22A) on dockingplatform front surface 164 that enables detachable attachment of dockingplatform 160 to mobile electronic device 180.

In alternative embodiments, mating connections of a docking platform toa mobile electronic device may be formed and located, for example, onedges, sides, and/or rims of the docking platform and/or edges, sides,and/or rims of the mobile electronic device.

In additional embodiments, mating connections of a docking platform to amobile electronic device may be formed to encase the front edges, back,and sides (or portions thereof) of the mobile electronic device, therebyforming a case or partial case.

In still further embodiments, the docking platform may include a mobileelectronic device encasing or non-encasing side portion and a backportion configured to form a detachable attachment with the sideportion.

The mobile electronic device connection system may include one or moremechanical mating mechanisms for detachably attaching docking platform160 to mobile electronic device 180. Mechanical mating mechanisms maytake the form of a reusable adhesive, sticky gel, snap-fit, magneticbond, suction cup, micro-suction tape, spring-clip, key release,slide-lock, slot release, hole release, interlocking mechanism, and/orscrew, among other forms.

In an embodiment, the mobile electronic device connection systemincludes mechanical and/or electrical mating mechanisms formed on boththe docking platform and the mobile electronic device. Mechanical andelectrical mating mechanisms facilitate fixing the docking platform tothe mobile electronic device and facility electrical communicationbetween the two.

In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device connection systemincludes one or more electrical contacts for transferring electricalpower, data, and/or signals between the mobile electronic device anddocking platform.

In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device connection systemincludes mechanical mating mechanisms formed solely on docking platform160. In one embodiment, the electronic device connection system includesa sticky gel permanently attached on front surface 164 of dockingplatform 160. The sticky gel may further include a first adhesivesurface formulated for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to dockingplatform 160 and a second adhesive surface formulated to enable, forexample, tool-less and chemical-less detachment from mobile electronicdevice 180, the second adhesive surface further formulated to preventresidue formation on mobile electronic device 180 after detachment ofdocking platform 160 from mobile electronic device 180.

The accessory docking system, an example of which is accessory dockingsystem 172A, 172B (also see other docking systems, such as 102A, 102B ofFIG. 22B) may include one or more mechanical mating mechanisms fordetachably attaching docking accessories to docking platform 160.Mechanical mating mechanisms may be formed on docking platform 160and/or on docking accessories 170A, 170B. Alternatively or additionally,the mating mechanisms may also be formed as a snap-fit, magnetic bond,reusable adhesive, sticky gel, suction cup, micro-suction tape,spring-clip mechanism, slot-hole key release, reusable adhesive,slide-lock, and/or screw, for example.

In some embodiments, the accessory docking system includes one or moreelectrical contacts for transferring electrical power, data, and/orsignals between docking accessories and the docking platform.

An additional embodiment of the docking platform, docking platform 100,is shown in FIG. 22B. Docking platform 100 is similar to dockingplatform 160, with some changes to the accessory docking system andother elements, such as window elements 114 (see below). Dockingplatform 100 includes accessory docking system 102A, 102B (dockingplatform external portions shown), formed on a back surface of dockingplatform 100. Accessory docking system 102A, 102B, as depicted, includeone or more connection cavities (examples of which include connectioncavities 104, 108) and one or more electrical contacts (an example ofwhich is electrical contact 106). Electrical contact 106 may enablepower, data, and/or signal transfer between docking platform 100 anddocking accessories.

The accessory docking system may be formed to optionally facilitateorientation of docking accessories in one or more mating directions. Forexample, a portion of accessory docking system 102B includes connectioncavity 108 in the form of a keying slot. As such, if a docking accessoryis formed to include a mating protrusion, connection cavity 102B acts toensure the docking accessory mates in a single orientation.Alternatively, if a docking accessory is formed to include, for example,no slot protrusion, the docking accessory may mate in a plurality oforientations.

The accessory docking system may also be formed without keying slots (asin FIG. 24A) or with cavities or slots that facilitate orientation ofdocking accessories in a fixed number of directions. For example, thefour directions enabled by the accessory docking systems cavities 310Aand 3108 of docking platform 300, as shown in in FIG. 32 . Suchorientation may be used as a mechanical way of selecting dockingaccessory functionality for accessories with a plurality of functions oroperations. For example, rotating a camera flash docking accessory 90degrees may be used to change the flash from white light to infraredlight. Such rotation of a flash may also communicate to a cooperatingcamera accessory to switch to infrared imaging, such that the rotationof one accessory may be used to select the operation of a cooperatingaccessory.

Also depicted in FIG. 22B are window elements 114, which are formed ascavities to prevent functional or physical impediment of mobileelectronic device elements (such as lenses, flashes, microphones,speakers, and other elements) located on a back surface of the mobileelectronic device. Window elements 114 may optionally includetransparent and/or perforated material layers or covers to improvecosmetics, protection, and/or tactility, among other purposes. FIG. 22Badditionally depicts an example curvature, curvature 110, applied alongedges of docking platform 100 to improve tactility and cosmetics,improve integration between docking platform 100 and a mobile electronicdevice, and reduce perceived thickness of docking platform 100. Furtherdepicted in FIG. 22B is a mating perimeter 116 defining a mating surfaceouter boundary. In FIG. 23 , docking platform 100 is shown detachablyattached to a mobile electronic device 180. The mating surface outerboundary is shown in FIG. 23 as mating perimeter 116.

Docking platform 100 is shown detachably attached to mobile electronicdevice 180 in FIGS. 30A, 308, and 30C. Also illustrated in FIGS. 30A,308, and 30C is mating perimeter 116 and additional examples of dockingaccessories. In FIG. 30A, a hygrometer/barometer/thermometer dockingaccessory 120 and light docking accessory 122 are shown detachablyattached to docking platform 100. In FIG. 308 , a game controllerdocking accessory 124 is shown detachably attached to docking platform100. In FIG. 30C, expandable speaker docking accessories 126A, 126B areshown, in an expanded state, aligned and detached from docking platform100. Docking accessories compatible with docking platform 100 includebut are not limited to batteries, solar panels, wireless chargers,wireless charging receivers, LED lights, disco lights, hand-crankchargers, weather sensors, particulate sensors, chemical sensors (e.g.,a chemical or material analyzer accessory that may be used for health,environmental, or materials monitoring or analysis. Such as a smokedetector, radon detector, blood analyzer, urine analyzer, breathalyzer(mentioned), mold detector, food analyzer, freshness analyzer, leaddetector, etc.), pressure and weight sensors, camera flashes, cameralenses, camera monopod or tripod, a DAC, an ADC, a digital audio poweramplifier, secondary display screen (e.g., E-Ink, LED, OLEO, LCD, etc.)electrophysiology sensors, memory cards and storage devices, keyboards,optical character reader, robotic mechanisms, glucose monitors, infraredfat monitors, breathalyzers, massage paddles, ultrasound paddles, pulseoximeters, headphones, headphone cable interfaces, general cableinterfaces, stands, surface and object attachment mechanisms (suctioncups, clips, etc.), and authorization devices, among other accessories.It will be appreciated that some accessories may be configured with aplurality of related or unrelated functionalities.

Docking platform 200, shown in back view (FIG. 24A), bottom view (FIG.24B), side view (FIG. 24C), front view (FIG. 25A), and isometric backview (FIG. 25B), is an example of a wireless docking platform with nofront-side electrical contacts. In FIG. 26 , docking platform 200 isshown detachably attached to a mobile electronic device 250. Dockingplatform 200 may, for example, detachably attach to mobile electronicdevice 250 by the inclusion of magnetic or magnetic attracting elements,a layer of sticky gel or micro-suction tape on the front surface ofdocking platform 200, or other mechanical fastening mechanisms.

Docking platform 200, docking accessories 220, 222, and mobileelectronic device 250 are shown in various attached and detached statesin FIGS. 27, 28, and 29 . In FIG. 27 , docking platform 200, dockingaccessories 220, 222, and mobile electronic device 250 are shown in analigned and detached configuration. In FIG. 28 , docking platform 200 isshown detachably attached to mobile electronic device 250 and alignedwith and detached from docking accessories 220, 222. In FIG. 29 ,docking platform 200, docking accessories 220, 222, and mobileelectronic device 250 are shown in a fully attached configuration.

In FIG. 31 , docking platform 200 is shown detached from mobileelectronic device 250 and detachably attached to an object/surface 252.Mechanisms of detachable attachment of docking platform 200 toobject/surface 252 may include sticky gel, micro-suction tape, suction,magnet, clip, hook, and hook and loop fastener, among other mechanisms.

Docking platforms may include an accessory docking system, a mobileelectronic device connection system, one or more electronic assemblies,and one or more enclosure assemblies. Docking platform 300, anadditional embodiment of the docking platform detailing external andinternal components, is depicted in FIG. 32 in isometric view and inFIGS. 33 and 34 in exploded view. It will be understood that the presentdocking systems may be formed in a manner similar to that explained herefor docking platform 300. In addition, more or fewer mechanical,electrical, and magnetic components may be added to any of theembodiments discussed here in without departing from the scope herein.

Docking platform enclosure assemblies encapsulate internal components ofthe docking platform and may be formed of one or more layers orcomponents. In the embodiment of docking platform 300, the dockingplatform body includes an enclosure 302 and an enclosure cover 306,mated by temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent means.

Enclosure 302 and enclosure cover 306 may be formed of any rigid orsemi-rigid material, may be electrically non-conductive. Optionally,enclosure 302 and enclosure cover 306 may include stiffening ribs tominimize flexing of docking platform 300. Example docking platform bodymaterials include plastic (acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene,polycarbonate, blended plastics, and other plastic formulations), carbonfiber, and metal (aluminum or stainless steel, for example), among othermaterials. Enclosure assemblies may incorporate an applied coating orfinish for surface protection, electrical insulation, and/or otherpurposes. For example, enclosure assemblies constructed of plastic orcarbon fiber materials may be coated with a clear protective finish andenclosure assemblies constructed of aluminum may be treated by hardanodization.

Electronic assembly 304 enables data transfer, signal transfer, powertransfer, power generation, processing, and/or control, among otherfunctions. To carry out these functions, electronic assembly 304 isformed with one or more electronic subassemblies, including but notlimited to a controller/processor subassembly 320; a power subassembly321 (see FIG. 35 for an isolated power subassembly 321 exploded view); asignal processing subassembly 322 for at least signal transfer,processing, and amplification; memory; and/or a wireless communicationsubassembly 330. In addition, one or both of electronic assembly 304 andwireless communication subassembly may include a first communicationsystem for communicating with an attached docking accessory and a secondcommunication system for communicating with a mobile electronic device.The first and second communication systems may be wired or wireless, orboth wired and wireless.

In an alternative embodiment, electronic functions may be differentlyconsolidated and/or distributed within the docking platform withoutdeparting from the scope herein.

In a further embodiment, the docking platform may merely providepass-through functions and/or may include minimal or no activeelectronics.

A power subassembly may include power storage, generating, and/orreceiving components, among other power-related components andfunctionality. FIG. 35 shows one exemplary power subassembly 321 formedof power electronics and a battery 326, wireless charging interface 324,and charging coil 318. Alternative embodiments of power subassembly 321may be formed with more or fewer components or different combination ofcomponents without departing from the scope herein. Power assembly 321of FIGS. 34, 35 includes power electronics and a battery 326 tooptionally power electronic assembly 304 (FIG. 34 ), attached dockingaccessories (see FIGS. 36, 37 ), and/or an attached mobile electronicdevice (see FIGS. 36, 37 ). Power subassembly 321 may also include awireless charging interface 324 configured to receive and/or transmitwireless power. For example, wireless charging interface 324 may beconfigured to receive an electrical charging signal from a wirelesscharging coil 318, formed, for example, by flat-coiling a thinconductive wire. Charging coil 318 may optionally include a shield (notshown) to isolate charging currents from electronic circuits and leads.

In an embodiment, charging coil 318 includes a core and/or membrane ofpowdered iron or other material formed to, for example, reduce eddycurrents and reduce interference by permanent magnets. Optionally,charging coil 318 may be configured to receive a wireless power signalfrom a charging station equipped with a compatible wireless charginggenerating coil. Note that a power transfer function may be included inpower subassembly 321 to provide power to (and/or receive power from)attached docking accessories, for example, a charging accessory or adocked accessory with sharable power.

Wireless communication subassembly 330 may be configured for wirelesstransfer of digital data, among other purposes. Wireless communicationmodule 330 may communicate with a mobile electronic device and/orattached/detached docking accessories via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WirelessUSB, IrDA, Near-Field Communication (NFC), shared wireless, and/or radiofrequency, among other wireless communication methods and standards.Communication may also be indirect communication, for example, via theInternet or some intermediary device(s), either through wired orwireless means. One example of such indirect communication is thesituation where a linked docking accessory is spaced away from itsassociated docking platform or mobile electronic device, such as acamera accessory configured as a remote security camera. In alternativeembodiments, docking accessories (such as docking accessories 360, 362)detachably attached to the docking platform may wirelessly communicatedirectly with the mobile electronic device, obviating the need for, oruse of, a wireless communication subassembly housed within the dockingplatform. In an embodiment, docking platform 300 and/or detachablyattached docking accessories may be wirelessly controlled from multipleauthorized or authenticated mobile electronic devices.

Controller/processor subassembly 320 may include any specializedfunctions, including communications support functions. For example,communications to and from docking accessories may be processed orpre-processed within the docking platform for the purpose of, forexample, authorizing docking accessories, linking and initializingdocking accessories, gaining software access to mobile electronicdevices (using a hardware “key” docking accessory, for example),offloading communication functions from a mobile electronic device,offloading processing or non-transient data storage to the mobileelectronic device, and/or implementing special functions based on anattached docking accessory type, among other purposes.

Signal processing subassembly 322 may include functions fortransferring, distributing, altering, quantifying, processing, andamplifying analog signals, among other functions. In some embodiments,the docking platform may include the capability of conductivelytransferring analog and/or digital signals to and from dockingaccessories to and/or from a mobile electronic device.

In the embodiment of docking platform 300, the accessory docking systemcomprises cutouts 310A, 310B, electrical contacts 312A, 312B, magnets314A, 314B, and additional electronic transfer circuitry. Electricalcontacts may be configured for signal, data, and/or power transfer,among other purposes. In an embodiment, electrical contacts 312A, 312Bare omitted and cutouts, such as cutouts 310A, 310B, are optionallyretained to improve mechanical mating performance and/or dockingorientation, among other purposes. In some embodiments, detachablyattached docking accessories may include a wireless communicationfunction. Also, in some embodiments, the mechanical mating mechanism fordetachably attaching docking accessories to the docking platformincludes mating by snap-fit, magnetic bond, reusable adhesive, stickygel, suction cup, micro-suction tape, spring-clip mechanism, slot-holekey release, reusable adhesive, slide-lock, and/or screw, for example.

Docking platform 300 is shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 with a simplifiedmobile electronic device connection system that includes a sticky-gel308 electronic device connection system formed on an exterior surface ofenclosure cover 306. The sticky gel may include a first adhesive surfaceformulated for permanent or semi-permanent attachment to enclosure cover306 and a second adhesive surface formulated to enable high-strength(high-tack) attachment to, and ease of user detachment from, a mobileelectronic device. The second adhesive surface may be formulated toprevent residue formation after detachment of docking platform 300 frommobile electronic devices, objects, or surfaces. Sticky gels may beformed using a 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm thick polyurethane gel layer or may beformed of other thicknesses and formulations. Sticky gel 308, asdepicted in FIGS. 33 and 34 includes a sticky polyurethane gel layermeasuring 0.65 mm in thickness.

In alternative embodiments, the mobile electronic device connectionsystem may include one or more electrical contacts formed on the dockingplatform and/or on a mobile electronic device for transferringelectrical power, data, and/or signals between the docking platform andmobile electronic device. Additionally, the mobile electronic deviceconnection system may include alternate mechanical mating mechanisms fordetachably attaching the docking platform to a mobile electronic deviceby using, for example, snap-fit, magnetic bond, suction cup,micro-suction tape, spring-clip, key release, slide-lock, slot release,hole release, and/or screw mechanisms, among other mechanisms.

In some embodiments, the docking platform may be configured to determinea docking accessory mounting orientation from among a plurality ofpermissible orientations and may incorporate a means of optionallyconfiguring electrical contact signals based on the detected orientation(through resistive detection signal switching or other means). In oneembodiment, the number of orientations is two. In another embodiment,the number of orientations is four. In a further embodiment, the numberof orientations is eight. In some embodiments, the docking platformand/or docking accessories may include redundant electrical contacts toenable mounting-orientation-independent electrical conduction ofsignals, data, and/or power between docking accessories and the dockingplatform.

A further embodiment of the docking platform, compatible with a tabletmobile electronic device, is shown in exploded view in FIGS. 36 and 37 .

FIG. 38 depicts docking platforms 3800-3810 constructed without majordocking accessory cavities. A general docking platform 3800 constructedin this manner is shown in the center of FIG. 38 . Also shown in FIG. 38are four exemplary non-major-cavity embodiments 3802, 3806, 3908, 3810formed with alternative accessory docking system electrical contactconfigurations and/or mechanical docking mechanisms 3812, 3816, 3818,3820. Among the embodiments depicted in FIG. 38 is a docking platform3804 that includes docking accessory wireless data and/or power transferand no electrical contacts at connection 3814. It will be appreciateddocking platforms may also be formed with major docking accessorycavities similar to those shown in FIG. 15B.

FIG. 39 depicts a mobile electronic device 180 detached fromalternatively decorated docking platforms 352A, 352B, 352C, 352D, and352E. Decorated docking platforms 352A, 352B, 352C, 352D, and 352E arerepresented as fully covered with differing colors, but mayalternatively be formed with single of multi-colored patterns or withtextured surfaces.

FIG. 40A is a perspective view of a docking platform system configuredas a case and shown with a sliding game controller docking accessory, inan embodiment.

FIG. 40B is a perspective view of a docking platform system, shown witha lens docking accessory in a detached state, in an embodiment.

FIG. 40C is a perspective view of a docking platform system, shown witha battery docking accessory in a detached state, in an embodiment.

FIG. 40D is a front/side perspective view of a docking platform systemconfigured as a case and shown with accordion speaker dockingaccessories and a speaker display function, in an embodiment.

FIG. 40E is a back/side perspective view of a docking platform systemconfigured as a case and shown with accordion speaker dockingaccessories in an articulated state, in an embodiment.

While the embodiments shown herein are described with particularity,those skilled in the art will appreciate changes, additions, andapplications other than those specifically mentioned, which are withinthe spirit of this invention. For example, mobile electronic device maybe a mobile media tablet, as in FIG. 16 . The docking platform wouldthen be sized according to a specific application, and the appropriatenumber and configuration of cavities provided. The platform, cavities,and docking connectors may have different shapes and sizes, as requiredby a certain application or for aesthetic purposes. The dockingconnectors may have different modes of attachment to dockingaccessories.

Docking accessories may be self-powered, and may communicate with themobile electronic device wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth®. E.g., adigital scale accessory might be docked for transport, then removed andpositioned in proximity of the mobile electronic device, whilecommunicating via Bluetooth®, as an object is placed on the scale andits weight displayed on the screen of the mobile electronic device.Accessories may be operable for wireless power transmission between theaccessory and the mobile electronic device.

What is claimed is:
 1. A docking accessory system, comprising: aplatform comprising a mating mechanism for detachably attaching aplurality of types of accessories to a mobile electronic device, themobile electronic device comprises a housing and wherein the platformforms a rear outer surface of the housing; wherein the platform isintegrally formed with the mobile electronic device; a first accessorytype of the plurality of types of accessories configured to detachablyattach to the platform by way of the mating mechanism; and a secondaccessory type of the plurality of types of accessories, being adifferent type of accessory from the first accessory type, configured todetachably attach to the platform by way of the mating mechanism,wherein the mating mechanism of the platform comprises a magneticattracting element disposed in the mobile electronic device; and thefirst accessory type comprises a battery configured to wirelessly chargethe mobile electronic device; and the second accessory type comprises agrip accessory with a tapered tubular accordion for expanding andcollapsing along a longitudinal axis of the accessory.
 2. The dockingaccessory system of claim 1, wherein the mating mechanism furthercomprises a mechanical attachment mechanism.
 3. The docking accessorysystem of claim 1, wherein the extendable accessory further comprises adisc operatively coupled to the second end of the tapered tubularaccordion.
 4. The docking accessory system of claim 1, wherein the firstaccessory type comprises a grip with an attached battery accessory. 5.The docking accessory system of claim 1, wherein the mating mechanism isconfigured to attach the first and/or second accessory type to theplatform in a plurality of attachment orientations.
 6. The dockingaccessory system of claim 1, Wherein the mating mechanism is configuredto adjustably attach the first and/or second accessory type to theplatform.
 7. The docking accessory system of claim 1, wherein the firstaccessory type comprises a tiltable docking accessory configured to tiltat an angle relative to the mobile device and platform.
 8. The dockingaccessory system of claim 1, wherein the first accessory type isconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the mobile electronic deviceto provide identifying information to the mobile device.
 9. The dockingaccessory system of claim 8, wherein the mobile electronic device isconfigured to perform a function based on the identifying informationprovided by the first accessory type.
 10. The docking accessory systemof claim 9, wherein the mobile electronic device is configured to make adetermination as to whether the first accessory type is physicallyconnected before performing the function based on the identifyinginformation provided by the first accessory type.
 11. The dockingaccessory system of claim 10, wherein the mobile electronic device isconfigured to make the determination as to whether the first accessorytype is physically connected based on wireless communication with thefirst accessory type using a wireless communication standard having arange of no greater than 4 cm.
 12. The docking accessory system of claim1, wherein the first accessory type and/or the second accessory type isconfigured to provide wireless power to the mobile electronic device.13. The docking accessory system of claim 1, wherein the first accessorytype and/or the second accessory type is configured to receive wirelesspower to the mobile electronic device.
 14. The docking accessory systemof claim 1, wherein the platform is configured for wireless powertransfer to one or more of the plurality of types of accessories. 15.The docking accessory system of claim 1, wherein the platform isconfigured for wireless data transfer to one or more of the plurality oftypes of accessories.